The town of Grindavik, with a population of about 4,000, was evacuated in the early hours of November 11 (local time), after magma moving under the earth's crust caused hundreds of earthquakes believed to be a precursor to a volcanic eruption, according to AFP.

Grindavik is located near the Svartsengi geothermal plant, which provides electricity and water to the 30,000 residents of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The peninsula is a volcanic and seismic hotspot southwest of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava flows erupted from a 500-750 meter (1,600-2,500 foot) underground fissure in the area’s Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, according to Reuters.

"We are really concerned about all the houses and infrastructure in the area," Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management Agency, told AFP. "The lava is at a very shallow depth, so we expect an eruption within hours or days," Reynisson added.

The most likely scenario is that a crack appears in the ground near the town of Grindavik. “We have a crack that is about 15 kilometers long, and anywhere along that crack we can see a potential eruption,” said Reynisson. However, he did not rule out an eruption under the ocean, which could cause a large ash cloud.

Earthquakes and ground uplift caused by magma intrusion caused damage to many roads and many buildings in Grindavik and the surrounding area.

Iceland, home to 33 active volcano systems, declared a state of emergency and ordered a mandatory evacuation of the town of Grindavik early on November 11. Emergency shelters and support centres were opened in several nearby towns, but most Grindavik residents were staying with friends or relatives, according to AFP.